Lyari is considered one of the most dangerous places in Karachi due to ubiquitous gang activity and a thriving narcotics industry; certain areas of the town are literally controlled by gangs and municipal authorities have no power.  This is the common statement you will hear from people of Karachi. But besides all those gang wars, bloodshed, and police operations, love and passion for football or soccer is not dead in this part of Karachi.

Few days back a newly started gang war killed dozen of lives but that doesn't stop any Lyariite to cheer for their favorite team, in the FIFA World Cup. And there is no prize in guessing whose their favorite team is. Often called 'Mini Brazil', Lyari was once home of all the national team members that once defeated Turkey and Iran in 1966 World Cup qualifying round. The slums of Lyari has produced football greats such as Mohammad Omar, Turab Ali, Ali Nawaz Baloch and how can not mention Abdul Ghafoor, once known as the " Pele of Pakistan". This monthly event gives a reason to put aside their sorrows and enjoy the game their forefathers and they themselves has been playing in the narrow streets of Lyari. You will see Brazilian flags hanging out of the balconies, local hotels arranges special screening and whole community gathers at one place with only one thing on their mind, Football.

But it was never a choice for football-loving Lyari youth to become hardcore criminals or drug dealers. Lack of recreational activities, lacks of jobs, lack of education and lack of good governance and dirty politics , made Lyari, one of the dangerous area in the city.  Mohammad Iqbal was a comman man and used to play as a defender but now he is not famous for stopping opponents from scoring goals but his killing skills which has given the name of Babu Dakait.

With over 116 registered club, Lyari is a big football industry and is undoubtedly 'Mini Brazil'. But Pakistan Football Federation has badly neglected this industry which produced legends like Hussain 'Killer', Ismail 'Grenade', Ghafoor Majna, Ustad Sattar Jabal, Taj Mohammad, Yar Mohammad, Qadir Bukhsh 'Putla', and several others. And this is a criminal negligence by PFF.

Lets hope one day we see people of Lyari, representing Pakistan National team playing the World Cup finals.

What you think about people of Lyari and their passion for football? Have you ever experienced such thing while living in the area. Do share your comments.

This post was originally published at White Sh@DOW